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 Cumberland:
The
Village of Cumberland, BC, in the foothills of Strathcona Park,
draws visitors with its fascinating coal mining history, charming
heritage buildings and stunning outdoor recreation opportunities.
Visit
the funky antique shops, parks and gardens or take a self-guided
heritage walking tour of the Village. Guided tours of the surrounding
trails and mine sites are also available through the Cumberland
Recreation Institute. Boat on Comox Lake and explore the extensive
hiking and mountain biking trails in the surrounding forests and
hills. Don't miss Friday night auctions at Cumberland Auction
Sales, the Taiwanese Lantern Festival in February, Cumberland's
annual Empire Days on the Victoria Long Weekend or Miners Memorial
Day that celebrates the rich working class roots of the Village.
This
former coal mining town of Cumberland, BC, during its hey day
supported a population of approximately 10,000. Chinese, Japanese,
blacks and British Welsh were brought in by founder, Robert Dunsmuir,
the coal baron, to work the mines.
Cumberland's
past includes fires, mine explosions, strikes and violence. In
the late 1920's mine production fell and finally in 1966 the last
mine was closed. The big Victorian styled homes built at the turn
of the century, are being restored. Several building in the downtown
area, that house art galleries and craft shop, have been refurbished.
Events:
| February |
Taiwanese
Lantern Festival, a collection of Taiwanese lanterns and nightly
drumming performances. |
| May |
Cumberland
Empire Days |
| June |
12-hours
of Cumberland, a 12-hour mountain bike race on Cumberland's
wicked single track June 24, www.ridingfool.com |
| September |
Mind
Over Mountain Adventure Race series final - Cumberland Sep
30, www.mindovermountain.com |
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Cumberland
Village Works Music Festival - Cumberland, Labour Day weekend,
www.cumberlandvillageworks.com |
Comox
Valley Travel InfoCentre
2040 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, BC, V9N 2L3
Telephone 1-888-357-4471 • Fax
(250) 334-4908
Click
here for a list of accommodation/adventure providers in this area.
 Qualicum
Beach:
Qualicum
Beach thrives as a tourist and retirement community.
Facing
the Strait of Georgia, its on Hwy 19 (the Island Highway) and
is only 10km (6mi) north of Parksville.
Fishing
is good in this area, in fact, the name Qualicum means "where
the dog salmon run".
Golfing
and just plain beach combing are also popular This pleasant village
is close to the beach, and along the way there are quaint shops,
galleries and restaurants.
Click
here for a list of accommodation/adventure providers in this area.
Gold
River:
The
logging town of Gold River, can be
reached from the west side of the island by M.V. Uchuck that operates
a freight and passenger service in Nootka Sound, by or traveling
Hwy 28, southwest from Campbell River. This modern instant town
was the first all-electric town in Canada, and the first to have
all the wiring underground. Located in the Gold River valley,
there is excellent fishing here.
Click
here for a list of accommodation/adventure providers in this area.
 Tahsis:
This
forestry community at the head of Tahsis Inlet is 70km (43mi)
northwest of Gold River on a gravel road. It started as a floating
logging camping the 1940's, which later became a permanent on-shore
camp.
In
the 1950's Tahsis expanded and a village
took shape. Canoeing, kayaking, caving, fishing, and hiking are
all very popular in this region.
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